Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, July 5, 1990 TAG: 9007060611
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: S-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: MARY JO SHANNON
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
"Once OPEC [Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries] fell apart, the energy crisis was no longer perceived as critical," Lensch said.
"Government funds for alternative energy sources were no longer available and tax incentives were removed. That's when I decided to sell my business and go back to teaching."
However, Lensch is still optimistic for the future of solar energy, and cites his own experience as proof of its merit.
His home in the Catawba section of Botetourt County is heated by solar energy. The only supplemental heat he uses is a wood stove. And despite the severity of the past winter, he burned less than two pickup loads of wood.
Meanwhile pupils at Woodlawn School, where Lensch constructed the solar greenhouse in May 1980, continue to reap benefits.
They recently took home tomato plants started from seed in the greenhouse. Teacher Sharon Dearing said the greenhouse has helped offset heating costs.
" The greenhouse has a thermostat on the fan, and excess heat is blown into the school," she said. "When I hear the fan come on, I turn off the electric heat."
This summer the plastic used in construction will need to be replaced. However, it has lasted 10 years, at least twice as long as its estimated life.
Lensch believes the Reagan era set the United States back 20 years in its efforts to be energy independent.
Had the country stayed on course, as it started in the late 1970s, he believes it would be energy efficient. As it is, he says, the country is now importing as much oil as during the days of the crisis.
"I think we will see a resurgence of interest in energy savings during the '90s."
by CNB